Anti-hopping law doesn’t apply to Iskandar Dzulkarnain’s case – Tuan Ibrahim

KUALA LUMPUR - Kuala Kangsar MP Datuk Iskandar Dzulkarnain Abdul Khalid's action in endorsing the Prime Minister's leadership has no impact on his position in the Dewan Rakyat.

In fact, Pas Deputy President Datuk Seri Tuan Ibrahim Tuan Man described the drastic decision was made because the Parti Pribumi Bersatu Malaysia (Bersatu) MP felt the plight and pressure felt by the people in his area following the lack of allocations channeled to the opposition.

"As a senior member of Pas, we (the opposition) never received an allocation from the government to begin with.

"When we were in government, we began receiving allocations, which allowed us to carry out our duties by providing allocations (to the opposition). In 1999 when I became an assemblyman, I never got a single sen of allocation in five years.

"In order to pay for office rent, employee salaries, and humanitarian aid, we must utilise our own allowance. That's why some of my friends, even once an assemblyman's duty is over, there's still a lot of debt in the shop and with suppliers. It's unfair.” he told Sinar.

It was reported that Iskandar Dzulkarnain voiced his support for Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's leadership after considering the persistent grievances of the voters and highlighted the urgent need to address the crisis of the rising cost of living that has impacted his area.

In the meantime, Tuan Ibrahim clarified that because the Kuala Kangsar Member of Parliament did not change party or leave Bersatu, the Anti-Hopping Law did not apply in this case.

“He did not join that side (the government party), he is still a Bersatu member. He will undoubtedly face consequences under the Anti-Hopping Law if he violates it. He just offered his backing.

"Speculation about him being put under pressure and so on, I'm not sure but I believe the big factor is the allocation," he said.